STEM subjects provide best career prospects for graduates

According to The Good Education Group’s 2016 Good Careers Guide STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) graduates have the highest employment rates and average start salaries.

Local Surveying Grad Aaron Faull is just one example of where STEM studies can take young people. He recently presented a speech at the 2017 Institute of Surveyors NSW Australia Day Seminar, just over a year after completing a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Surveying) at UNSW.

His speech addressed the impact of the earth’s continental drift on commercial mapping and navigation technology such as Google Maps. This was also the topic of Aaron’s Honours thesis. One of the things that drew Aaron to this topic and to a career in surveying is the way spatial science impacts everyday life.

“The study of spatial sciences allowed me to develop a more in-depth, practical understanding of measurement to determine objects’ relative positions accurately and ensure they work together as a system,” said Aaron.

“The idea of one day being an expert in a specific field which in numerous ways underpins a variety of fundamental infrastructure in society is very important to me.”

Aaron has been working as a Surveying Assistant for 14 months, receiving his first job opportunity shortly after graduation.

The demand for surveyors in NSW is forecast to grow significantly, with over 1,200 Registered Land Surveyors required to fill demand in NSW by 2021. This means surveying graduates are more likely to secure jobs compared with other professions. McCrindle Research listed surveying as one of the most underrated jobs in Australia and found that an average of 90% of graduates in full-time employment earn a median starting salary of $52,000.

Aaron was unaware of surveying until university, where his lecturers helped him realise it was the perfect fit for him. It allows him to use his natural aptitude and interest in STEM subjects and apply it in the real world.

“Surveying is one of those careers that I believe doesn’t have as much exposure as it deserves”, said Aaron.

“Surveying is a profession that doesn’t just confine you to a desk all day or mean that you are only working outside either, but gives you variety so nothing ever begins to feel stale. It provides opportunities for great career progression and it’s very rewarding physically seeing finished projects you actively contributed towards.”